EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy, also known as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy, is a method of mental health care. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of psychotherapy developed to alleviate mental distress associated with traumatic memories. In order to process painful memories using this technique, you must move your eyes in a precise manner. Your recovery from trauma or other upsetting life events is the aim of EMDR. EMDR is a relatively recent therapy approach when compared to other types. In 1989, the first clinical study examining EMDR was conducted. Since EMDR’s creation, many of clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy and ability to treat a person more quickly than many other techniques.

It typically involves (for a small part of the therapy) following a moving point with the eyeline while holding a difficult memory in mind. This sparks a biological process (related to REM in sleep) that can begin to reprocess memory/image and allows you to attribute new meaning to the painful event.

How does EMDR work?

A person may feel overpowered, and their brain may not be able to completely absorb what is happening when they are involved in a traumatic situation. The event’s memory appears to be stuck in such a way that it continues to be extremely powerful and vivid. Every time the memory is brought to mind, the person can relive what they saw, heard, and smelled as well as the intensity of the distress they felt. The goal of EMDR is to assist the brain in unsticking and appropriately reprocessing the memory so that it is less intense. Desensitising the person to the emotional impact of the memory enables them to recall the incident without being overcome by intense emotions. It accomplishes this by asking the subject to recollect the traumatic experience while alternating between moving their eyes side to side, hearing a sound in each ear, or feeling a tap on each hand. The “stuck” processing mechanism in the brain appears to be efficiently stimulated by these side-to-side sensations, allowing it to reprocess the information more normally and less intensely.

Who requires EMDR therapy?

The effectiveness of EMDR in treating post-traumatic stress disorder is its most well-known benefit (PTSD). The NHS, charitable organisations, the corporate sector, and the Ministry of Defence all frequently employ it to assist military members suffering from PTSD. People with a variety of mental health issues can benefit from EMDR. Adults of all ages, adolescents and adolescents can gain from this treatment. Several medical professionals are also experts in EMDR for kids.

When a challenging life event is involved, EMDR can also be utilised to treat a variety of mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Therapists use EMDR therapy to address a variety of issues, including:

Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Chronic Illness and medical issues
Depression and bipolar disorders
Dissociative disorders
Eating disorders
Grief and loss
Pain
Performance anxiety

Personality disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma and stress-related issues
Sexual assault
Sleep disturbance
Substance abuse and addiction
Violence and abuse

A professionally qualified therapist should always do EMDR because it is a difficult therapy process.

Starting integrative treatment begins with finding a licensed mental health provider. Many therapists are well-versed in integrative therapy. You can begin your search on Hackney Therapy House’s website by exploring our Therapists directories.

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EMDR Therapy

How does EMDR work?

Who requires EMDR therapy?

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